Scientists may have identified trigger behind Covid vaccine-induced blood clots

Scientists may have discovered the trigger behind the extremely rare blood clot complications stemming from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine (Nick Potts/PA)

Scientists believe they may have found the “trigger” behind the extremely rare blood clot complications stemming from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

According to an international team of researchers from Cardiff and the US, the reaction can be traced to the way the adenovirus used by the vaccine to shuttle the coronavirus’ genetic material into cells binds with a specific protein in the blood, known as platelet factor 4 (PF4).